ST. LOUIS – In a game marked by defensive errors and missed opportunities, the Chicago Cubs extended their losing streak to three games with an 8-7 defeat against the St. Louis Cardinals on Tuesday. This loss ties their longest slump of the season, highlighting the challenges the team faces in the divisional race.
Immediate Impact
Despite the setback, Cubs outfielder Ian Happ expressed confidence in the team’s resilience during an interview on 670 The Score, emphasizing that there is no panic among the players. The Cubs will look to bounce back in their next matchup, aiming to halt their current downward trajectory.
Key Details Emerge
PCA’s Defensive Gaffe
Pete Crow-Armstrong, known for his stellar defense, committed a rare error that proved costly. In the fourth inning, with one out and a runner on second, Crow-Armstrong caught a deep fly ball but mistakenly believed it was the third out. His casual return of the ball to the infield allowed the Cardinals’ Masyn Winn to score from second base, turning a potential tie into a deeper deficit for the Cubs.
PCA loses track of how many outs there are, and Masyn Winn scores from second on a flyout to center field.
Such mental lapses are unusual for Crow-Armstrong, whose defensive prowess has often been a game-changer for the Cubs. Had he acted promptly, the Cubs might have prevented the run and maintained a tighter contest.
Nico’s First Home Run
Nico Hoerner has been a crucial contributor with runners in scoring positions, boasting a .397 average in such scenarios. On Tuesday, he hit his first home run of the season, a 364-foot drive that added two runs to the Cubs’ tally. This marked a departure from his typical playstyle, as Hoerner is known more for his consistency than power hitting.
Nico Hoerner hits his first homer of the year!
Hoerner’s overall performance, including his Gold-Glove-caliber defense, has been invaluable to the Cubs, contributing significantly to his 1.6 fWAR, one of the highest on the team.
Another Rough Outing for Taillon
Pitcher Jameson Taillon struggled once again, failing to make it past the fourth inning for the second consecutive start. He surrendered eight runs on eight hits, including three home runs. This performance follows a similar outing where he allowed 13 runs over two games, raising concerns about his form.
Taillon has allowed 21 homers this season, the second-most in baseball.
While it’s not time to panic, Taillon’s struggles are a concern, especially as the Cubs’ rotation faces injuries and inconsistency. The team relies on him to stabilize their pitching lineup.
What Comes Next
The Cubs are set to face the Cardinals again, providing an immediate opportunity to rectify their mistakes and regain momentum. The team’s ability to respond under pressure will be crucial as they aim to remain competitive in the division.
Expert Analysis
Baseball analysts suggest that the Cubs’ recent performances highlight the importance of mental focus and execution in high-stakes games. The team’s success this season has often come from capitalizing on small margins, and lapses like Crow-Armstrong’s can be detrimental.
As the season progresses, maintaining discipline and leveraging their strengths will be key for the Cubs to overcome their current challenges and push for a playoff spot.
The upcoming games will test the Cubs’ resilience and ability to adapt, with fans and analysts alike watching closely to see how the team navigates this rough patch.